Vitreous Carbon and Carbon Planchets

Vitreous carbon and carbon (graphite) planchets are ideal substrates for X-ray analysis and
backscattered electron imaging in a SEM or electron microprobe. The spectroscopically pure
carbon discs provides an excellent conductive, low emission X-ray background free of any
characteristic X-ray peaks except carbon. Carbon planchets are favored over the non-conductive
diamond planchets (charging will have negative effects on the analytical results and can distort
X-ray mapping and imaging).
The vitreous carbon and carbon (graphite) planchets can be cleaned and used again. For fine
powders and imaging applications the vitreous carbon is the best choice. For X-ray applications
of larger particles or specimens or for applications where the planchets can not be used again,
the carbon (graphite) planchets are adequate.

Physical Properties of Vitreous Carbon

Maximum Service Temperature (vacuum or inert gas)

3000°C

Density

1.42 g/cm³

Open Porosity

0%

Permeability Coefficient

10-9 cm²/s

Vickers Hardness

230HV

Flexural Strength

260 MPa

Young's Modulus

35 GPa

Compressive Strength

480 MPa

Electrical Resistivity (30°C)

45Ωµm

Thermal Conductivity (30°C)

6.3 W/(Km)

Expansion Coefficient (20-200°C)

2.6 x 10-6/K

Vitreous Carbon Planchet

Lapped surface on one side for smoothness, also known as glassy carbon or glass-like carbon.
For analytical SEM/EDX, X-ray analysis and chemical analysis applications.

Vitreous carbon is an advanced materials of pure carbon combining glassy and ceramic properties
with those of graphite. Impermeable to gases and liquids, high purity, corrosion resistant,
thermal stability in air up to 600°C and in vacuum or inert gas up to 3,000°C. Good electrical
conductivity, low thermal expansion and extreme resistance to thermal shock. Hard and strong
(hardness = 230 HV1).
Applications in the fields of chemical analysis, metallurgy, crystal
growth, medical technology and in glass and ceramics research. MSDS (95KB PDF)

High purity vitreous carbon with impurities less than 30ppm total.
Typical chemical analysis of these vitreous carbon planchet is:

Al

0.270

Cu

0.030

Sn

0.440

Ba

0.081

Fe

0.920

Si

13.860

Be

0.044

K

0.340

Sr

0.061

Bi

0.050

Mg

0.052

Ti

0.096

Ca

9.710

Mn

0.041

V

0.044

Cd

0.044

Mo

0.044

W

0.089

Co

0.089

Na

0.780

Zn

0.044

Cr

0.091

Ni

0.120

Zr

0.062

Prod #

Description

Unit

Price

Order / Quote

16524

High Purity Vitreous Carbon Planchet 12.7mm dia. x 2mm

each

$106.00

Qty:

16526

High Purity Vitreous Carbon Planchet 25mm dia. x 3mm

each

139.00

Qty:

16528

High Purity Vitreous Carbon Planchet 32mm dia. x 3.2mm

each

173.00

Qty:

Properties of Grade 1 Carbon

Density

1.58 - 1.63 g/cm³

Hardness

30 - 35 Shore

Electrical Resistivity

58 - 71 Ωµm

Flexural Strength

24 - 31 MPa

Tensile Strength

22 MPa

Compressive Strength

48 MPa

Thermal Expansion

1.9 x 10-6/°C

Porosity

28 - 30%

Purity

Impurities < 2ppm

Carbon Planchets

Spectroscopically pure carbon Grade 1 (graphite) planchets with total impurities equal to or less
than 2ppm with each single element 1ppm or less. Trace elements can be Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca or B. The carbon discs have a fine ground finish on one side; 0.80µm
(32µ inches). All carbon planchets are 1.6mm (1/16") thick. Sizes from 10 to
32mm diameter to fit all styles of SEM pin and cylinder mounts varying from 10 to
32mm diameter.

Highly Polished Carbon Planchets

The highly polished carbon planchets have a smooth, virtually mirror finish on one
side with a surface roughness of 0.05 to 0.01um. The material for the cabon discs is spectroscopically
pure carbon Grade 1 (soft graphite) with total impurities equal to or less than 2ppm with each single element 1ppm or less. Properties same as Carbon Planchets above. The polished planchets are 1.4 to 1.5mm (0.55" to 0.06") thick. Available
in the popular 12.7mm (1/2") and 25.4mm (1") diameter.

Prod #

Description

Unit

Qty

Price

Order / Quote

16500-P

Highly Polished Carbon Planchets, 12.7mm diameter

each

1-9

$20.00

Qty:

10+

18.50

16510-P

Highly Polished Carbon Planchets, 25.4mm diameter

each

1-9

24.50

Qty:

10+

22.50

Carbon Discs on Pin Stubs

Carbon planchets with a 1.6mm thickness mounted on standard pin stubs, supplied in the #16709
pin mount storage box. Convenient and ready to use. Provides a durable and economical solution
for SEM/EDS microanalysis or low emission surface backscatter imaging applications needing light
element surface. Surface roughness of the carbon discs is 0.05-0.01um, material is
spectroscopically pure carbon with total impurities less than 2ppm.
The aluminum stub underneath the carbon disc provides more rigidity that the carbon stubs.
Available for 12.7, 18 and 25.4mm (1/2", 0.7" and 1") pin stubs.
Sold in storage box with 10 of the 12.7mm pin stubs and 8 of the 18 or 25.4mm pin stubs.